Kwara State Athletics Association has been charged to work harder towards achieving the standards it was known for, by producing athletes that will do the state and country proud just like it was before now.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji, who represented Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Dinner and Award Night of the Kwara State Athletics Association yesterday, Sunday February 16, averred that the standard of athletics in the state has really dropped.
Held at the Hall of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), in Ilorin, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association was used to celebrate excellence and achievements, as well as the appointment of Patrons.
Mallam Magaji, while commending the Association for honouring the athletes, said it was a way of motivating and promoting uniformity in terms of friendship and encouragement.
“It’s a way of motivating the athletes, but the association needs to work harder to hit and surpass former standards, as the current standard is not good enough for podium finish. We need more dedication from the athletes and the coaches.
According to him, as a way of supporting the association to discover new talents, the Commission organised Secondary Schools Athletics competition that went round all the Local Government Areas in the state.
While analysing the advantages of the Secondary Schools Athletics competition, the Director of Sports, Mallam Ibrahim Bako said that the finals will hold in Ilorin in April, even as he challenged the association to do more.
Also speaking at the ocassion, Pharmacist Femi Ayorinde, a retired Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Anti-Doping Commission listed anti-doping protocols and its consequences, warning the athletes against the use of drugs to enhance performances.
Professor Tajudeen Ibrahim, the Director of Sports, University of Ilorin and Mrs Toyosi Salami, a Club Owner equally charged the athletes on dedication and commitment, as well as performance based on pure hard work.
The Chairman of Kwara State Athletics Association, Alhaji Issa Ore said that the AGM was to review activities of the past year, and to chart ways forward for the new year.
He added that the award to the athletes was to motivate and encourage them to continue to do their best.
“It’s a gathering to review, as well as chart new courses. It’s also to celebrate excellence and outstanding performances, and reward for their sacrifice, because the journey ahead is full of opportunities.
Former Chairman of Kwara State Athletics Association, Alhaji Tunde Abdulkareem and Engr. Femi Sanni of Flow FM were decorated as Patrons of the Association.
Mallam Bola Magaji, Alhaji Issa Ore, Professor Tajudeen Ibrahim, the Chairman of the Kwara State Athletics Association and all the Board members, the Patrons and 12 athletes were honoured at the ocassion for their commitment, participation and selfless service to the development of track and field.
